"The report talks about $9 million of capital over the next 10 years but omits to talk about the $30 million of maintenance that's got to be done as well ... I just don't think it stacks up, unfortunately.

"What (the report) doesn't solve is where the money comes from to change the calls that have been made.

"What it doesn't solve is how the market can galvanise around that."

Mr Quinn says KiwiRail will continue with its plan to mothball the line, but it will be protected so that if there's a commercial case and money to make the route work in the future, it can be reopened.

The chair of a group opposing the closure says it has been vindicated by the report.

Hawke's Bay Regional Transport Committee chairman Alan Dick told Radio New Zealand's Summer Report programme the closure puts too much strain on State Highway 2 and leaves Gisborne isolated when the road is closed by slips.

He said the Government has a responsibility to ensure there are viable transport alternatives for the export-based regional economies.